Pre-op testing: Colonoscopy and Endoscopy

[azuresky 7]

Newbie here, though I'be been doing testing and Medicare compliance over the last 8 months.

My question is I went to what I thought was final clearance appt. with gastroenterologist,who I was told was ONLY reviewing my upper GI & abdominal ultrasound results, which already knew results about. But..he says to get clearance for surgery,which my office was going to set my appointment for final visit with surgeon today, tells me I have to have a endoscopy and colonoscopy first!

I'm very upset about this because 1) at no time has anyone ever told me about those two tests were prerequisite, nor is it in the Manuel for doctor's office. And 2) I will have to be put to sleep for these procedures, the prep will rigorous and very uncomfortable and these are invasive procedures.

Can any comment or advise as to the necessity and/or how commonly these tests are done??

Thanks..

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[mamaward64 2]

Newbie here, though I'be been doing testing and Medicare compliance over the last 8 months.
My question is I went to what I thought was final clearance appt. with gastroenterologist,who I was told was ONLY reviewing my upper GI & abdominal ultrasound results, which already knew results about. But..he says to get clearance for surgery,which my office was going to set my appointment for final visit with surgeon today, tells me I have to have a endoscopy and colonoscopy first!
I'm very upset about this because 1) at no time has anyone ever told me about those two tests were prerequisite, nor is it in the Manuel for doctor's office. And 2) I will have to be put to sleep for these procedures, the prep will rigorous and very uncomfortable and these are invasive procedures.
Can any comment or advise as to the necessity and/or how commonly these tests are done??
Thanks..
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I too have the upper go first but found out I needed colonoscopy and endoscopy. Ya the pre is pretty nasty stuff but the procedure itself was a breeze. No worries about.

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[azuresky 7]

Thanks for reply. Were you put to sleep for the procedures? I have to go to hospital, if started, put to sleep and both procedures done. No one told me about having to do this. It's not in the manual. I just feel invasive procedures like this should be well explained up front. My problem is the pain and discomfort involved in preparation.

I have rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and severe leg cramping. So just getting back & forth to toilet is going to be major. So it's pretty scary and seems like unnecessary testing.

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[Joann454 1,329]

Are you over fifty or so you have a family history of colon cancer? Idk why they'd want that done.

[Daily Encounter 16]

Looking at the paperwork I've received, they are both listed as "what you may need." Fortunately, I've already had the upper endoscopy done back in December 2016 which was prior to me beginning this journey. Therefore, they were able to use the results from that since it was not long ago. Yes, I was put to sleep for this but it was really simple. I couldn't remember when I fell asleep and when I awoke I was back in "recovery." I felt no pain afterwards and simply went home and fell asleep.

As for the colonoscopy, I've not yet been told that it is a must but I am already preparing my mind for the possibility of needing this test, as well (since I am closer to 50 than I am 40). If I am not mistaken, they ask for these tests to rule out any other issues that may either complicate or prevent you from going through with the surgery.

I would suggest you speaking to your doctor/nurse about this. I would rather be safe than sorry and don't mind the tests but, yes, I agree...they are invasive.

By the way, the only prep for the upper endoscopy was that I was not able to eat prior to the test.

[azuresky 7]

Are you over fifty or so you have a family history of colon cancer? Idk why they'd want that done.

No family history at all, healthy most of my life, but I AM 67 yo, never had a colonoscopy before. I(be had bad high bp for 20 yrs, type 2 diabetes 2 yrs ago, rheumatoid arthritis, GERD for about20 yrs. MOST of my medical issues will be greatly relieved by weight loss. Besides the RA, I am text book for why obesity is so bad for us. My heart is good and strong and all of my doctors say with the loss of the weight I should be able to come off most of the pills I have to take.

My sister in law was 71 when had her gastric bypass, she's lost most of her weight and came off her Metformin and bp meds. Her arthritis greatly improved too.
I am doing this to save my life, I have 4 grandchildren 13 to 3 to raise. I just wish I had known sooner that Bariatric surgery technique had improved so much that it's safe for people my age. I had no idea till last summer.
I cannot WAIT to feel better, get off so many pills and pain meds and be FREE.

BTW, my family is against the surgery. They want to keep fat Mama and Grandma who cooks all the time, lives in the kitchen. But that's not what I want, been there done that & it's killing me. If my surgeon says yes I'm doing it!

Thanks for responses.


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[neverceasing 1]

I hope and pray that everything will work out in your best interest. Wishing you much success!

[K_aane 356]

No family history at all, healthy most of my life, but I AM 67 yo, never had a colonoscopy before. I(be had bad high bp for 20 yrs, type 2 diabetes 2 yrs ago, rheumatoid arthritis, GERD for about20 yrs. MOST of my medical issues will be greatly relieved by weight loss. Besides the RA, I am text book for why obesity is so bad for us. My heart is good and strong and all of my doctors say with the loss of the weight I should be able to come off most of the pills I have to take.

My sister in law was 71 when had her gastric bypass, she's lost most of her weight and came off her Metformin and bp meds. Her arthritis greatly improved too.
I am doing this to save my life, I have 4 grandchildren 13 to 3 to raise. I just wish I had known sooner that Bariatric surgery technique had improved so much that it's safe for people my age. I had no idea till last summer.
I cannot WAIT to feel better, get off so many pills and pain meds and be FREE.

BTW, my family is against the surgery. They want to keep fat Mama and Grandma who cooks all the time, lives in the kitchen. But that's not what I want, been there done that & it's killing me. If my surgeon says yes I'm doing it!

Thanks for responses.


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You go for it girl!!!!

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[victoriak419 17]

I only had to have a endoscopy. The prep for this test is not eating after midnight the night before the procedure. They start an IV and take you into the procedure room. They help you put a bite guard in your mouth (for the endoscope to go through) and give you medicine in your IV. Before you know it, you are in recovery. I was sooooo nervous for this test, and it ended up being easy! I was so relieved. The procedure itself takes 10 minutes.

I haven't had a colonoscopy, but you will be fine! It's good they can knock out 2 birds with 1 stone. It will only require one afternoon in the hospital and 1 round of Anesthesia.

[azuresky 7]

Just an update for any interested.

As it turns out, it was a Godsend to have had both tests. The hardest part was the colon prep. But, the gastroenterologist found and took 7 polyps and took a stomach biopsy from inflammation caused by gastritis.
Short story is good news, bad news. He cleared me for bypass surgery but I have to have another colonoscopy in a year because most of those polyps were precancerous, called adenomas.
So now I wait for my Bariatric surgeon pre-op, results visit, in which I am instructed for the liver reduction diet and am told my surgery date.
The great thing about having the bypass is that my whole diet will change and be the diet my gastroenterologist wants me on anyway.
BTW, being forced to have the colonoscopy probably has saved my life as much as having the bypass will. These are answers to prayers and I just thank God for these opportunities.

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